Finding Cheap International Airfares Online

IATA (International Air Transport Association) conducts all international flights and almost all international airlines (94%) operate under this association. The pricing structure and all other decisions associated with an international flight are made by the IATA. They don't normally give permission to international airlines to lower their rates if other airlines are offering regular airfares. However, they do sometimes allow consolidators to buy airline tickets in bulk at low price and sell them off to travelers.If you are searching for cheap airfares online, you will come across many websites offering national as well as international packages. These sites are composed of Mega Online agencies and B&M Travel agencies. Other sites are composed of travel consolidators who specialize in providing the best possible deals to their customers. You will find out that these sites have different international policies because of the fact that international airfares are mainly handled by the IATA.Airline Consolidator is a place where you will be able to find cheap international and domestic flights to many locations across the globe. Whether you are flying to Asia, Europe, Indian sub-continent or Africa, you will be able to locate an inexpensive flight and save up to 70% of your airfare. If you buy tickets directly from airlines, they will also tell you that this is the lowest possible rate any airline can offer. However, searching on these online resources you will find still cheaper airfares. Fareline International is another popular name under this category. They specialize in selling international airfares to Europe and Asia.While purchasing online it is recommended that you ask for the total cost of a ticket. Sometimes they list only the airfare exclusive of hidden charges. Some companies do not have additional charges if someone is paying by credit card. You will have to be careful in selecting your package depending on all these factors and other considerations. All requests made through e-mail are answered within 24 hours. Remember that the tickets sold by consolidators are sometimes 'restricted'. This means that if you want to change your travel plans you will be given a penalty because they have to book flights in order to give all passengers the quoted price. Regular airfares allow you to travel more flexibly because they allow you to change your travel plans anytime. Of course, in the latter case you have to pay more.If you can't find an international flight on any of these websites, you can call a travel expert and ask for advice. Sometimes airline names are not mentioned on consolidator websites. They will e-mail you all the details once you have purchased their package. This does not mean that their system is faulty; they have contracts with airlines which state that they cannot mention the airline names publicly. Mostly these airlines are the most popular international airlines of a country. Booking online sometimes help to save up to 40% of already cheap airfare. Sometimes you are not given a physical ticket; instead you will be receiving an 'e-ticket' or a confirmation number and some other details that you will be able to use at the airport to get into the plane.When you are buying international tickets from consolidators, it is your own responsibility to ensure that all your travel documents (passports and visas) are complete and legal. Read all instructions and company policies before buying your tickets or packages. They will not be responsible for any mishaps or loss of tickets once you have received your tickets. You will have to buy another package in such a case. Being careful in all these matters will help you travel wisely and without any major difficulty, and most of all travel affordably.

Panda Software and Sabre converge on Computer Security for Latin America Travel Agents

In an effort to increase computer security across the Latin American travel industry, today Panda Antivirus Software and Sabre Holdings Corporation announced a joint strategy: Panda Software will provide antivirus software protection to 11,000 Sabre travel agencies in Latin America. These travel agencies, representing some 30,000 computers, will be offered Panda Software's low-cost, award winning desktop solution, Panda Antivirus Titanium. Panda Software is proud to be at the forefront of protecting the South American travel industry from cyber-threats, said Donna Wesley Rogers, General Manager of Panda Software, U.S. This, we hope, is only the first step, as we look forward to providing protection to all Sabre agencies " more than 60,000 worldwide, continued Rogers. The need for tightened cyber-security in the travel industry has never been higher, said Gloria Guevara, Director of Technology and Customer Service for Sabre, Latin America. We have endeavored to create the most secure travel environment in terms of computer security, and we feel confident that we are taking the right steps through our joint strategy with Panda Software, concluded Guevara.Panda Software is an international antivirus software company with offices is 45 countries worldwide. The software is translated into and available in 18 different languages, making it a perfect alliance for companies such as Sabre that provide services worldwide.About Sabre Holdings CorporationSabre is the leading provider of technology, distribution and marketing services for the travel industry. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the company has approximately 7,000 employees in 45 countries. Sabre reported 2001 revenues of $2.1 billion. Sabre owns Travelocity.com, the most popular travel site on the Web, and GetThere, the world's leading provider of Web-based travel reservation systems for corporations and travel suppliers. Sabre is an S&P 500 company, traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TSG). More information about Sabre is available at www.sabre.com. Sabre and Passenger Reservations System are trademarks of Sabre, Inc. or an affiliate of Sabre, Inc.About the International Independent AV Developer:Panda Software (http://www.pandasecurity.com) is a leading international developer of computer security software, specializing in antivirus solutions for large networks. Their 100% in-house, cutting-edge technology has received awards and quality certifications from the most widely respected IT security institutions. Panda Software was the first to allow truly automatic, daily signature updates, as well as centralized administration of antivirus protection, both of which have revolutionized the antivirus industry. The quality of Panda Software's products has been endorsed by the major industry watchdogs including: Virus Bulletin, ICSA Labs and CheckMark.For more information:Carol Robbins Public Relations Directormailto:crobbins@pandasecurity.com(818) 543-6901www.pandasecurity.comArturo BustamanteSabre(305) 520-3342arturo.bustamante@sabre.com

What Is A Home Based Travel Agent?

Many people are unclear about the travel industry. Travel agents are often thought to be the same as real estate agents. Becoming a travel agent or more specifically a home based travel agent is an exciting career change or retirement option. Some people do it full time while many do it as a part time business.A travel agent books travel for customers and is paid by suppliers a commission on the booking. For bookings that suppliers do not pay a commission on, a travel agent also can charge the client a service fee for his/her time. An example is if you were to book a hotel for a client, the hotel would then send a check to the agency after the client checked out. Most hotels pay 10% of the price of the hotel before taxes and fees. A $100 per night hotel reservation would mean $10 a night for the travel agent who made the booking. This hotel would cost the same whether the customer uses a travel agent or books through the hotel directly. In many cases the travel agent can get a better price. It costs the customer nothing to use the travel agent unless the travel agent charges service fees.Can anyone do this? In order to work with suppliers, you must have an account set up with the supplier. Most require an agency to hold an IATAN, CLIA or ARC number. IATAN stands for International Airlines Travel Agent Network. CLIA stands for Cruise Lines International Association. ARC stands for Airline Reporting Corporation. Each of these memberships requires different things including sales, money in the bank, experience or training in the industry, and membership fees. Many will require Errors and Omissions insurance of $1,000,000 or more.For the average travel agent, membership is not a possibility with some organizations so the agent will team up with an agency and work as an independent agent or outside agent. There are also advantages of working with an agency because most travel agents cannot make enough in sales with a particular supplier to obtain higher commission levels and bonuses. Working with an agency with many agents can increase the commission percentages the agent gets because of the joint sales of all the agents at the agency. Support is also a very important aspect of being a successful agent. Agents who do not work with others tend to feel more isolated and have to learn to do it all solo. Since no agent can have the experience of being everywhere in the world or staying at every hotel or resort, having others that you can get advice from is really helpful.The future of travel agencies is always questioned. The truth is the industry has changed in many ways. Some changes were for the better, some for the worse. Many airlines have cut commissions for travel agents. However, there are many other suppliers who are paying travel agents more than they were ten years ago. Cruises used to be booked by only the rich and now people in every income book cruises. Each year more and more people go on cruises. Most people say they want to go on a cruise at least once and many who go on their first come home to want to book another.You can earn commission on many travel reservations.HotelsRental CarsTour PackagesCruisesSome airline ticketsInternational airline ticketsTravel insuranceGround transportation including limosAttraction ticketsTrain ticketsPeople all need travel arrangements at some point in time. Those who take road trips need hotel reservations. Those who need to travel for business need airline tickets, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Families want to experience vacations with their loved ones. People visit family and relatives. Most people who win money say they are going to spend it to take a nice vacation. Newly married couples go on honeymoons. You are not selling something that is hard to sell. People contact you for help, you are not calling them or approaching them trying to sell them something they don't want.Educating the public is the main thing any travel agent must do. Most people put travel agents into the same category as real estate agents. They believe it costs additional to use a travel agent. This is untrue. In many cases a travel agent can get a better price than the general public through the suppliers who work only with travel agents. Many people do not know all the options for booking a vacation. A good travel agent does. Once people are educated on how a travel agent gets paid, they are more willing to work with travel agents. If a person knows that if he or she let you book a hotel and it will cost the same price regardless, she or he will work with you. It is important to let people know how you can help them save time and money on their travel arrangements.So how do you get into the industry? Many people think they must go to school or become certified. This is not true. You can get into the industry and begin training. I don't recommend anyone spend thousands on a travel school until he or she knows this is a career that he or she will really want to pursue. The truth is you do not have to spend thousands to get trained. There are many courses free to travel agents from suppliers. There are also organizations such as ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents) who offer courses as you get more years experience in the industry. CLIA also offers courses. There are some agencies that will offer training. Even if you decide this is a career you would like to pursue, you do not need to spend thousands to become an educated and competent travel agent. There are many courses you can take with suppliers and organizations to get a better education in travel. I truly believe a hands' on approach is the best way to become a better travel agent. Learning to work with suppliers and how to find the information your clients need is an important part of becoming a good travel agent.How can you find an agency to work with? There are a few organizations dedicated to independent travel agents. NACTA and OSSN are the top organizations. NACTA stands for National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents. OSSN stands for Outside Sales Support Network. You can also search online for home-based travel agent programs. I would never recommend anyone spending a lot of money to start this business. It is key to first try and see if it is something you would really want to do and get training before you invest too much money into it. Get involved in the industry first and see if it is really a career that is best for you.Jennifer Dugan CTAOwner of Dugan's TravelsTravel agent since 1993http://www.duganstravels.comCopyright 2004 Jennifer Dugan

Serving The London Hotel Industry Through Niche Online Agencies

London, UK " February 2003 - The London online hotel market, though young and fragmented, promises to be one of the most lucrative in 2003. The city is attracting more and more online travel consumers who use the Internet when booking hotels, hostels and B&Bs. Savvy hospitality entrepreneurs are cashing in on the market opportunity created by this shift in buyer behavior by setting up specialized online agencies. Launch an online lodging agency " the time is right This is the best time to launch an online hotel reservation agency in London, as the market is relatively easy to break into. The British online lodging industry is far less consolidated and regulated than the US one, where the top 5 agencies account for nearly 85% of the online travel agency market. London attracts a varied collection of leisure and business travelers with diverse travel needs. There's plenty of opportunity for many specialized reservation agencies to thrive in this market, as there are many niche consumer groups to target. The other good news for anyone planning to launch an online hotel reservation agency in London is that, Europeans are getting affordable Internet access and are becoming more comfortable booking online. London receives a large number of hotel bookings from neighboring European countries. The online travel industry in Western Europe, for the year 2002, is estimated to have grown by 2.2% from the previous year. This would amount to USD 5.7 billion in sales. Specialize! Specialize! Specialize! Online hotel buyers are typically aged between 33-44 years, fall into a high-income bracket, are well educated and spend 250-750 Euros per trip. They also fall into many sub categories such as affluent leisure travelers, business travelers, couples on their honeymoon etc. Online travel buyers are extremely savvy when it comes to selecting the right hotel room that fits their needs in terms of price, dates of arrival, location, and amenities. These smart consumers need smarter vendors. Entrepreneurs who plan to set up online hotel reservation agencies must keep in mind that it is impossible to cater to the needs of the entire London tourist market. A smart vendor would first select the consumer segment that he can serve best. This could be anything from business travelers looking for hotel rooms with Internet ports to backpackers hunting for last minute deals. Once the target segment has been decided on, the online lodging agency can be designed to maximize the benefit to that group. Web consumers are quick to identify websites that offer their preferred hotels at competitive rates along with expert detailed information. Specialization creates loyalty and popularity among the chosen travel community. It's all about fishing where the fish are, using the right fly. Niche online agencies that offer a particular type of lodging are more successful at managing their inventory and rates than large online distributors. For example, a reservation agent who specializes in business hotels in Central London will develop close ties with those properties overtime and will be able to obtain larger room allotments at competitive prices. He can then tailor the room availability and prices on his website in-line with major business conventions and exhibitions and run special offers and promotions to attract more traffic during such events. Hospitality professionals, who have experience in hotel reservations and management, are best suited to operate online hotel reservation agencies. Having close ties with the hotel industry in far more important than being Internet savvy. Setting up a specialized online hotel reservation center can be technologically challenging, expensive and risky. RoomsNet International, which operates a global network of online lodging agencies, helps you to successfully overcome all those issues when setting up a new Web based hotel reservation agency. Owing to the presence of a network of agencies, RoomsNet International is able to absorb all the start up costs and risks of each new venture. The agency operator is then free to develop his chosen niche market and maximize profitability of the agency. If you are looking to capitalize on the exciting opportunities of the London online lodging industry or require further information please contact RoomsNet through the following links. Contact pagehttp://bookings.roomsnet.com/servlets/ROOMSNET_new_contact_form?BI=&MI=E-mailroomsnetsales@roomsnet.com About RoomsNet International RoomsNet International is a global network of online lodging reservation specialists. RoomsNet enables accommodation agents, event managers, hospitality professionals, tour operators, hotel reservation call-center agencies and entrepreneurs to setup niche online reservation sites and cater to the growing demands of the online lodging industry. Contact:Uthpala KumaraEmail: uthpala@roomsnet.comBusiness Development DivisionRoomsNet International www.roomsnet.com

How Travel Insurance Can Save Your Vacation

Not every vacation goes as planned. Most people can recover easily from sunburn or a missed connection flight, but what happens when something major goes wrong. What if your flight is canceled and you have to spend thousands of additional dollars to fly home the next day instead? What if you break your leg while skiing? What if your luggage, including your passport, is stolen?When something significant goes wrong when on vacation, you may find yourself suddenly in thousands of dollars of debt or relying on the kindness of strangers to help you. Both cases can be bad news. You can protect yourself, though, if you purchase travel insurance before you leave.Travel insurance policies give you a way to protect yourself medically and financially when traveling so that you can have peace of mind while on vacation. The more relaxed you are, the more you will enjoy your vacation. This type of insurance is good whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, and it can be purchased through the travel agency you used to book your trip, from the cruise line or tour operating company if you have one, or from a third-party company that sells all kinds of insurance.What does travel insurance cover? The type of policy you purchase determines what your insurance policy covers. Sometimes, the policies offered by travel agents are actually not very inclusive, giving you just a little bit of coverage in case the trip is canceled. However, if you go with a third-party policy, you might find that quite a few problems can be solved by your policy. Some of the things covered include the following:Emergency medical expensesAccidental death or injuryFuneral expenses while overseasDelayed luggage item replacementLost, damaged, or stolen possessionsLegal costsPersonal liability damagesTrip cancellationFlight delayCurtailmentEmergency evacuationRental car damagesKeep in mind, though, that travel insurance policies do not automatically cover the things listed above. In fact, basic policies rarely cover anything more than emergency medical expenses, luggage problems, and trip cancellation. Even those things may not be covered under all circumstances. Things that are commonly excluded from even the most thorough policies include the following:Pregnancy-related medical careTerrorismInjuries due to high-risk sportsWar-related injuriesMedical expenses relating to alcohol or drugsPre-existing medical conditionsSome of the above-mentioned situations can be added to your policy, but this is not always the case. Ask really specific questions to find out exactly how you are covered with your policy.While travel insurance is offered to most people, you may not be able to get a policy if you are traveling to a high-risk area of the world. For example, if you are on a missionary or relief trip to a country in the middle of a war, most insurance companies will not cover you. You may also be unable to get travel insurance if you are traveling to a country where a natural disaster is likely during that time of year. Sometimes, if you are visiting a high-risk country, you can get very basic coverage that at least allows you to make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident or lost luggage.The best part about travel insurance, though, is that you can find a company with concierge services and emergency travel assistance. In other words, they do not just make you collect receipts and foot the bill when you get home. If you are sick and in a country where few doctors speak your language, the travel insurance company can arrange for someone from the embassy in that country to help you get the care you need. They usually have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week assistance so that you never have to worry about being alone and in a panic because something has gone wrong. Make sure that you take your policy documentation with you when you travel so that you can call your insurance company with your policy number if something goes wrong.Travel insurance can be a bit pricey though, costing 5% to 7% of your total vacation cost or more. However, when you think about the expenses you could incur without the insurance, the choice is simple; travel insurance is extremely valuable. That way, if something bad happens, you can take care of the problem as quickly and easily as possible and enjoy the rest of your time away from home. As with any kind of insurance, if you shop around, you can usually find a good deal, and the policy will ensure that one setback does not have to ruin an entire trip for you and your fellow travelers.

Suzanne Bradley is a writer and blogger who discusses various aspects of the travel industry such as travel insurance.

6 Tips on Getting the Best Deal on Cheap International Flights

An extended vacation with plans to visit several countries sounds very exotic and exciting. However, the total cost of your airfare can be prohibitive. For travel plans that include several stopovers in different countries what you need to look for are cheap international flights.Here are a few suggestions that will help you travel the world without having to break the bank.Get a Head Start by Planning AheadThe key to finding the best deals on cheap international flights is to plan your getaway as far in advance as you can. Discounts can be sizable if you can select your flight with at least a 21-day advance purchase. Many of the cheap international flights are available directly from the airlines, who offer non published fares not often found for domestic travel. As an added bonus, you may find your other needs, such as lodging and attraction tickets may be cheaper as well with enough notice.Smaller Airlines- Your Gateway to Cheap International FlightsSmaller airlines have less of an overhead and therefore are able to pass their savings on to you. EasyJet offers some of best deals on cheap international flights. This company does not even pay a commission to travel agents so they are able to reduce the public fares. Many times you will not have a meal or a movie, but this may pale in comparison to the savings you can pocket.Package Deals helps save your Travel DollarsPackage deals for international flights are one of the best ways to get a great deal on your vacation. These packages include airfare and accommodations, and sometime attraction tickets. Many of these packages can be all-inclusive, meaning your food and some activities are covered as well. Destination specialists such as Airfare Planet, Qantas Vacations, and 1800 Fly Europe, will be able to save you a lot of your hard earned money with these vacation package deals.Consider Multiple Stop-OversMany times, cheap international flights can be found if you take a flight requiring a layover or multiple stops. These flights are not as convenient sometimes as a direct flight, but you may get to see a few more sites and save some money at the same time. Multiple stops are also a great way to experience more of the local flavors found near the airports.Dump the BaggageWhen you are flying internationally, many airlines are now charging for checked baggage. This can raise the price of your cheap international flights to something not so cheap! Pack only what you need and consider purchasing items when you arrive at your destination.Do Your ResearchMany cheap fares can be found online. Online travel sites and destination specialty companies now offer the opportunity to plan your entire vacation with just a few clicks of the mouse. Be sure you are ready to purchase your tickets, however, because airfare prices can change within a matter of hours. Take the time to try several sites and don't be afraid to contact the companies directly. Many times a travel agency will match or beat someone else's best deal, or even offer some bonuses, just to get your business.Following these easy tips and advice should help you find several cheap flights to your chosen destinations.

Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to find cheap airline tickets at his website. You'll also find travel destination tips, hotel deals and vacation tours for you and the whole family.

Navigating International Security Procedures

Traveling internationally can sometimes pose problems. Since September 11, United States airports have tightened security procedures significantly, and most other countries have followed suit. If you are not experienced with international travel, it can be frustrating to know what is and is not allowed, how long to plan for security checks, and how to make the process go faster. Here is your guide to navigating international security procedures. Before you leave on your vacation, no matter where you are going, it is important to do a little research on your travel destination. Some places are extremely receptive to United States travelers, while others have more strict security procedures. This varies from country to country, so there is not one single piece of advice that will help you deal with these procedures in every country you might travel to. It is best to anticipate delays no matter where you travel. How long will these delays be? It depends on where you are going, the size of the airport, how many bags you are carrying, and how many international travelers are at the airport at any given moment. In general, you should always arrive at the airport two hours in advance for an international flight, and in some cases, you may want to arrive even earlier. Plan to spend an additional hour after you land collecting your bags and going through security when you are visiting a foreign country. Of course, this varies greatly depending on your location, but if you think it will only take a few minutes to leave the airport, you will be easily frustrated.Beyond airport security, what else do you need to know about international travel? Well, for one, you need the right paperwork. Most people know that you need a passport to travel to other countries, but in the past few years, laws about passports have really tightened. Today, you need a passport to travel from the United States to any other country, even Canada and Mexico. You also need a passport to travel via water, so if you are planning a cruise that takes you into international waters, make sure you have your documents in order. For travel in some parts of the world, you need more than a passport. For instance, you may need a visitor visa to get around in some countries, and you might have to apply for other documents if you plan to stay for a longer period of time. Usually, these travel documents are fairly easy to get, but you have to apply for them early. Passports can take three to six months to be processed, and all countries have different deadlines for visas, should you need one. As soon as you know your dates of travel, make plans to apply for the right documentation. Along with documentation, for travel in some parts of the world, you need certain vaccinations. This is not just a matter of health; it is also a matter of security. If you are not up to date on your vaccinations, you could be carrying disease into the United States, putting others at risk. Depending on where you travel, you may need to show proof of proper vaccinations. The same goes for pets that are traveling with you, and in the vast majority of cases you cannot bring live animals, food, or other such items into the United States from a foreign country. Specific rules on this vary depending on the item and your travel destination. When you arrive, you will have to go through customs. There are two channels for international travelers in Europe and most other countries - the red channel and the green channel. The red channel is for travelers carrying anything not commonly permitted, which requires special documentation or permits. The green channel is for anyone else. The United States and Canada do not operate under the red/green channel system, so customs delays in these countries are sometimes longer. You should be prepared to show officials items that you have purchased and are bringing into the country when you arrive home, and you will have to pay fees and taxes on these items in some cases. Make sure you understand laws about what you can and cannot bring into the country, or items could be confiscated. International travel is not always quick and easy. Before you leave, though, if you make sure that you are prepared to deal with security, you will be able to get on with your vacation much more quickly. Try to remain patient with the people helping you through security - although it can be frustrating to wait in line after line, they are only helping to keep everyone safe. Staying calm and cooperating in a pleasant manner is the best way to approach navigating security, in any language or location



Cynthia Andrews is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing and the travel industry, often discussing tips and travel deals one would find through working with travel agents.

Temporary International Health Insurance

Whether taking a short-period trip overseas or planning to relocate to a foreign country, temporary international health insurance plans provide medical insurance that will meet individual health requirements. In other words, the plans are appropriate for sudden and unexpected injury or illness while traveling away from the home country on a temporary basis. As the name implies, temporary international health insurance is a type of insurance facility applicable for a limited period of time. This type of insurance cannot be considered as an alternate for annual-renewable (or "permanent") major medical health insurance.Temporary international health insurance plans vary from one organization to another. The plans differ in minimum benefit periods and legal registrations. Their services cover business executive travel (single and multi-trip), travel groups, students, diplomats, missionaries, expatriates, and entertainers. Temporary international health insurance plans can be purchased with coverage for the insured's spouse and dependent children, as well.Temporary health insurance plans commonly cover expenses related to hospital, intensive care, surgery, outpatient treatment, emergency medical evacuation, accidental death or dismemberment, return of minor children, and repatriation of mortal remains. In addition to international emergency care, the service can sometimes provide trip cancellation and lost luggage insurance coverage - it is best to discuss your needs with a licensed insurance agency.The Liaison International and the Atlas Series are two popular temporary international health insurance plans available in the United States. The Liaison International (available monthly) is a plan for both US citizens and non-US citizens. It includes two separate rate tables - international travel out the USA (for US citizens and US residents traveling abroad), and international travel that includes the USA (for foreign nationals visiting the USA). The Atlas Series are two plans for temporary travel outside of the home country. One plan is for non-US citizens traveling anyplace outside of their home country, and second plan is "Atlas International", which is for US citizens traveling outside the USA.Temporary Health Insurance provides detailed information on Temporary Health Insurance, Temporary International Health Insurance, Affordable Temporary Health Insurance, Temporary Student Health Insurance and more. Temporary Health Insurance is affiliated with Affordable Term Life Insurance Quotes.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Sturo

Stratton Travel Attends Exclusive Luxury Travel Conference

Mahwah, NJ September 24, 2004 -- Over 2,000 top luxury travel agents from North and South America, the Caribbean and Australia " all part of the by-invitation-only Virtuoso travel network " recently convened in Las Vegas at the Bellagio for the ultimate summit of industry leaders. Thousands of individual meetings were conducted over a week between agents and top executives from the world's best cruise lines, hotels, resorts, airlines, tour operators and other travel-related companies. Mahwah, New Jersey-based Stratton Travel Management and parent company, VTS Travel Enterprises, were among the attendees.It was an amazing week of new information, updates and relationship building, said Robin Marcus, CTC, a Master Cruise Counselor at Stratton Travel, and we are honored to be among this elite group of travel professionals. Marcus continued, A personal connection is invaluable in this industry, and our clients truly benefit from this high-level networking as well as the most up-to-date knowledge of what's new, improved and on the horizon in luxury travel.To be considered for membership in Virtuoso, a travel agency must maintain a certain annual sales threshold with Virtuoso's elite travel industry partners, including hotel groups such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis, as well as top cruise lines such as Crystal, Cunard, Silversea and Seabourn. Leveraging its $3 billion annual buying power, Virtuoso holds exclusive agreements with the world's leading hotels, resorts, spas, cruise lines, tour companies, rail lines, airlines and ground operators. Utilizing a Virtuoso specialist (such as those at Stratton Travel) to arrange upscale leisure travel automatically entitles clients to complimentary upgrades, amenities, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic destinations. To find out more about top vacations worldwide, contact the following travel specialists: Tamsin Allpress at 888-697-0588 for exotic destinations; Robin Marcus at 888-456-9195 for luxury cruises, tours and spa vacations; Benita Herman at 888-488-0445 for expert cruise, tour and family travel guidance or call 800-223-0599 to find general information about Stratton Travel and its resources within the Virtuoso network of luxury travel agencies. About Stratton Travel ManagementStratton Travel Management is a Mahwah, New Jersey-based corporate and leisure travel agency with more than 35 on-site locations in the United States. Senior Stratton Travel agents work with corporate clients to consolidate purchasing power, leverage the latest travel technology and achieve cost savings through corporate travel policy enforcement and negotiated travel rates. As a Virtuoso agency, Stratton Travel's leisure division focuses on upscale, luxury travel for clients interested in traveling worldwide. Dedication to service and a superior understanding of each client's needs make Stratton Travel a great choice for all travelers, business or leisure!About VTS Travel EnterprisesVTS Travel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading travel management company located in Mahwah, New Jersey, specializing in managed corporate and leisure travel. Established in 1980, VTS Travel has grown through a program of strategic acquisitions and partnerships, increasing the number and quality of corporate, consumer and technology services offered. During this time, VTS Travel has become a leader in many aspects of the travel industry with over $500 million in current annual revenues, an employee base of over 400 national travel agents and 120 onsite representatives working within leading U.S. corporations. With services that range from telephone-based air, hotel and leisure reservations to Internet-based managed travel and reporting, VTS can supply an end-to-end travel solution for less.

Choosing the Right Travel Package

With international airfares falling with increasing competition, numerous travel agencies have sprung up to help you make your international visit easy and comfortable. But now there is a problem of plenty. Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing the travel package of your choice.COSTNaturally this is the first thing to look out for. Prepare the budget you are ready to shell out. But remember that if you are too particular about the upper limit for your travel, you choose that package that falls well inside your budget. Most often, no matter how deeply you look into the costs involved, there are always instances when you feel there was a hidden cost involved which younever knew until you made the payment. Also, you might end up making more than the planned purchasing. So, this is one factor, you must carefully plan and decide.COMFORT and PRIVACYFor economy budget travellers, travel agencies usually help make costs low by taking the tourists in groups so that the cumulative costs involved help in making the cost per tourist less.But, too many co-travellers might end up ruining your comfort and privacy levels. It is best to know in advance the number of tourists who accompany you. Some travel agencies make good planning to split this group into smaller groups when you walk out in the destination. The best way to know about such organizing is through reviews about the package that you can find on the internet blogs and forums.FLEXIBILITYChoose a package that offers you more flexibility in deciding your period of stay in individual locations. Each of your co-travellers have different tastes and it is simply not enough if everyone is offered the same periods of stay at individual locations. So, look for travel packages that offer you the freedom to choose to lengthen or shorten your stay at individual spots. This kind of flexibility might shoot up the costs a bit, but nevertheless makes your travel a much more relishing experience. MANAGEMENT Finally, choose from reviews the kind of travel agancy that takes on the leadership during the stay. The least thing you would want to do is keep finding your way in a foreign place, while the travel is simply doing only what he is paid for - ferrying you to and from the place.Anand Srinivasan is the author of http://XooXonline.info a website of varied themes and topics for the internet surfer who wants to surf but does not know what to!

India Fully Compliant With International Aviation Safety Standards

An international travel is a dream that many people has thought of. But this dream cannot be full-filled by everyone. International vacation has now become possible for the traveler willing to spend couple of days to some international destination. International flights are now available at cheap and affordable rates. Travel companies all over the UK have offers of very cheap international flights for those who plan to travel around the world. The increasing popularity of the tourist attractions spread across the world has led to a strong competition among the travel companies which are providing cheap airfares. There are many websites on internet which are providing cheap airfares and low cost international flights. Searching for these websites will help you to compare prices that airlines are offering. You will come to know about the best deals for various destinations. It is advised to book your cheap international flight online, as it will save your time and money both. The airline market is getting very competitive so the airfares offered vary from company to company and airline to airline. If you are a passionate traveler or an individual who want to visit an international destination, you must be searching for such an online travel site that offers cheap international flights tickets. Search for such websites providing cheap flights for your international travel. You can call to airlines authorities or your local travel agency for cheap and discounted airfares. Now days the companies are facilitating the live chat, you can take advantage of this. You can book your flights using credit cards, as most of the companies facilitate good discounts on booking flights with credit cards. Traveling during off-peak season always saves lot of money, as you will get cheap flights and accommodation very easily. During off-season you will get good discounts on business class and first class flights also. You will get a good bargain on last minute deals and long haul flights also. People have misconceptions about low cost flights and airlines. They think that low cost airlines are some cheap airlines with low class services. But its not like that, low cost airlines are the low airfares provided by the all the major airlines.

Mark is an expert author for Travel. He has written many articles like JetAirways, Jet Lite, Air India, etc.

An Overview About Top Ten Travel Destinations

Knowing that you need to better understand this topic I recommend that you take 5 minutes to read what we have to say.Naming top ten travel destinations could prove easy, but how relevant such a list is, that is debatable. This article refers to the most popular locations based starting from the statistics made thanks to international travel agencies, and on the basis of travelers' reviews posted on various web pages.To many tourists, Latin America is the perfect place to go on holiday: there is the beauty of cities like Rio de Janeiro and the mystical attraction of Peru and the ancient Maya and Inca cultural remnants. The cultural impact, the leisure activities combined with favorable climates, make this part of the world become the holiday destination of millions of tourists from all over the world.Western Europe with the charm of the Romantic setting of Paris, the historic attraction of Rome and Venice, the fascination of Spain's former Arab cities and the mystical lands of Scotland and Ireland can be included in the list of top ten travel destinations any time of the year. Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza require a special mention here, as they are some of the most exotic resorts in the European part of the world.The Egyptian Pyramids and Morocco are absolutely magnificent, and travel agencies sell thousands of touristic packages for holidays on the dark continent. One of the features of African resorts consists in the constant touristic push and a magic harmony in the multitude of cultures that mingle so thoroughly in the crowded North-African cities. No matter if you visit retreats in oases or famous resorts, this part of Africa will always rank among the top ten travel destinations.Moving further on to the distant countries of the Far East it is impossible not to notice the fascination with Nepal and the ancient Buddhist temples on the roof of the world. It is the Nepalese capital city, Kathmandu, with its thirteen hundred years of history that swallows most of the tourist crowds. As for the climbing of the Everest, very few courageous people dare to challenge their limits on the crests of Himalaya.Finally, an impressive number of sunny islands can be included in a top ten travel destinations list: Bali, Jamaica, Crete, Hawaii and many others, which is why the list needs to be a lot more comprehensive, as so are the beauties man and God created. It goes without saying that the places that you take most to the heart are those you'd also like to visit, and therefore, anyone can create a list of top ten travel destinations.In conclusion Id like to say thank you to you for reading this article and good luck with any issues related to this information.Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. ~Samuel Ullman



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Travel Insurance - For Your International Travel

Travel insurance will provide complete coverage towards misplaced luggage and valuables, canceled trips, injuries etc. There are lots of travel insurance agencies who offer you travel insurance. Read through the document carefully and choose a travel insurance that is best suited for you and your family. There are at least six types of travel insurance available, which are meant for different travelers and trips:Comprehensive travel medical insurance: Travelers, who do not have a medical insurance even at their own country, should purchase the Comprehensive Travel Medical Insurance. This type of insurance is likely to cover personal liability, medical insurance, business trips and even dangerous/adventure activities.Medical evacuation (medevac) insurance: Medical evacuation (medevac) insurance plan provides medical coverage, air evacuation services that includes medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility and then home if necessary. This plan also covers you while you're away from home until the time you get back-irrespective of whether it is for a quick weekend trip or for a year. Besides, it also covers emergency medical expenses which are often not fully covered by your health plan.Emergency travel medical insurance: Emergency travel medical insurance is for people who already have a medical insurance, which is country specific. It will not insure the person when he is traveling abroad. This insurance will cover emergency services abroad only, but when you are home, it will not be covered.Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This insurance covers all the expenses of refund or penalties that are caused due to the cancellation of the trip. The trip Cancellation insurance and Interruption insurance also provides coverage of your insured's trip cost when you or a traveling companion cancels or interrupts a trip for specific reasons. However, war and terrorism might not be included, or may be covered only at an additional charge.Supplier default insurance: Supplier default insurance covers money you lose because of the insolvency of an airline, cruise line, tour operator, or other providers of travel services. Few travel insurance companies have eliminated this benefit, while others pick and choose which travel suppliers they will insure. Read the fine print carefully for any conditions which apply.Rental car insurance: Rental car insurance covers damage or theft to a vehicle you rent and/or liability to other people or vehicles you injure or damage. Most of the credit card companies have rental car collision insurance but not the liability insurance. Read through the fine print carefully.

http://www.vayama.com/

Vayama is a first-of-its kind travel website that provides North Americans a whole new world of choice for booking international flights. Using the latest in web technologies, Vayama offers a massive selection of airlines, flights and fares, many never previously available online, so you can find the lowest prices and best schedule options for all your international travel. Even though Vayama was established 2 years ago, the company was founded by travel experts with decades of experience, and is backed by one of the world's largest travel organizations. Vayama is a subsidiary of BCD Holdings NV, one of the global leaders in the travel industry.

Tips On How To Start A Career In International Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse who enjoys traveling, you may want to consider a travel nursing position. Many travel nurse placement agencies offer positions that range anywhere from four to thirteen weeks depending on the case. This type of position offers the opportunity to expand your horizons while obtaining more experience in your chosen field.In terms of compensation, the traveling nurses tends to make anywhere between 10-15% more than the staff nurse with incentives and bonuses added to the package. For many nurses, being a travel nurse opens the opportunity to see parts of the country they would not ordinarily see in the course of normal employment. If you aren't able to travel because of children or financial obligations, you can still experience the thrill of being a travel nurse by accepting assignments closer to home. Of course, when you are able to do so, you can ask for assignments in other cities or states. That is one of the benefits of being a travel nurse with a placement agency: it leaves you in control of which assignments you accept. Unlike a staff position, you are not required to report to work every day as per a set schedule unless you are on an assignment. When you are in between assignments, the choice is yours to accept or decline, and often times with a travel nurse, bonuses are paid to those who complete assignments.Are the assignments always in hospitals or nursing homes? That depends on the assignment, but the potential is also there for private duty. Some nurses prefer private duty cases, and in many cases, the pay is higher than it is in a facility-based assignment. Let the placement agency know if you prefer a particular kind of environment because they will try to accommodate you whenever possible. The key role is to meet the needs of both the patient or facility and the nurse. The more comfortable the nurse is with the position to which she has been assigned, the easier it will be for her to perform her job.Travel nursing opens up many opportunities in the field, and for the nurse who is good at what she does, and not adverse to relocation, opportunities in other states as a staff nurse may be a thought to consider. This is a good way to feel the waters and see if you like different scenery before making the permanent decision to move to an unfamiliar place. This type of position is not for everyone, but if you like to travel and try different things, this is the kind of position you will love. Not only will you see other parts of the country, you will experience a completely different world of individuality in the new people you will meet.Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.

4oceans and Pegasus Solutions Offer Chinese Travel Agencies Access to Global Hotel Inventory and Commission Processing Services

LONDON, UK (November 10, 2003) - 4oceans and Pegasus Solutions announced a comprehensive services agreement that enhances the capabilities and reach of travel agencies in China. The agreement formalises 4oceans' use of the Pegasus switch, giving 4oceans platform subscribers, including more than 3,000 China-based travel agencies, access to the 50,000 hotels in Pegasus' Online Distribution Database. In addition, 4oceans will use Pegasus' commission processing services to expedite the payment of commissions to 4oceans subscribers in China. This is an industry first and will bring automation and speed to the complicated hotel commission collection process most Chinese agencies navigate today. Finally, Pegasus' Utell, representing the world's largest collection of independent hotels1, announced that it had signed a distribution agreement with 4oceans to become a preferred supplier of hotel rooms from small chains and independent hotels.Pegasus Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEGS) is a leading worldwide provider of hotel reservations-related services and technology. The 4oceans platform is the largest electronic distribution channel in China, featuring almost 1,500 3-5 star hotel properties in mainland China alone. In 2002, the Chinese Tourist Authority promoted 4oceans as the country's preferred hotel central reservation system. The companies announced the agreement at World Travel Market in London.With Chinese authorities easing outbound visa requirements, the number of tourists and business travellers leaving China for global destinations has dramatically increased - topping more than 15.5 million trips in 2002. With the SARS crisis receding and travel inquiries picking up, the ability of Chinese travel agents to access global hotel inventory for their clients has never been more critical. Pegasus & 4oceans Team Up to Offer Services & Connectivity to Chinese Agencies 4oceans is the established leader in connecting Chinese agencies to live inventory, and the inclusion of Pegasus' participating hotels enhances the services 4oceans offers to subscribers. 4oceans' connection to the Pegasus switch, along with Utell hotels' status as a preferred supplier, gives hotels around the world that distribute inventory via Pegasus increased visibility at the point-of-sale in this burgeoning travel market.A key component of this agreement is the provision of Pegasus' commission processing services, through 4oceans, to Chinese agencies. Complex domestic financial regulations present obstacles for Chinese agencies attempting to collect commission payments directly from international hotels. A unique arrangement between Pegasus and 4oceans allows the payments collected from the 35,000 hotels that participate in Pegasus commission processing to flow through 4oceans to their subscribing agencies. This process saves time and money for 4oceans subscribers by maximising collection of earned commissions and reducing currency exchange costs. 4oceans subscribers in China receive their commission payments in renminbi, the Chinese currency."We decided to work with Pegasus because of the experience, reliability, and flexibility of their connection services," said David Yates, Chief Executive of 4oceans. "Major hotel groups also wanted the option to accept bookings from 4oceans` subscribers directly into their property management systems. By joining forces with Pegasus, we have killed these two birds with one stone.""We're excited to work with 4oceans in this growing marketplace," said Bob Boles, executive vice president of sales and marking for Pegasus Solutions. "In particular, we are pleased to aid Chinese travel agencies in the collection of commission payments they have earned. We look forward to a mutually-beneficial relationship with 4oceans and its subscribers for years to come."/ends.Company InformationAbout 4oceans4oceans was formed in March 2002 through a merger between the international systems business of TFM plc and the CRS business of Hotelworld. The company's global headquarters is based in Oxfordshire (UK) with operations and marketing offices located in Beijing and Shanghai in China. 4oceans' initial subsidiary in China, Si Hai Tong Jie, was a joint venture with the Beijing Tourist Authority. The organisation is now the largest electronic distribution channel for hotel reservations in China and is committed towards developing its business in both emerging and established markets globally. For further information, visit www.4oceans.com.Pegasus & 4oceans Team Up to Offer Services & Connectivity to Chinese Agencies About Pegasus Solutions, Inc.Dallas-based Pegasus Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEGS) is a leading global provider of hotel reservations-related services and technology. Founded in 1989, Pegasus' customers include a majority of the world's travel agencies and more than 50,000 hotel properties around the globe. Pegasus' services include central reservation systems, electronic distribution services, commission processing and payment services, property management systems, and marketing representation services. The company's representation service is used by nearly 4,400 Utell member hotels in more than 140 countries, making Pegasus the hotel industry's largest third-party marketing and reservations provider. Pegasus has 18 offices in 11 countries, including regional hubs in London, Scottsdale and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.pegs.com.# # #1 Hotels Magazine, July 2003, "Hotels Consortia 25"Press Contacts Rachel Colquitt / Zara GibbContext PR for 4oceans+44 (0) 1625 511966 rachel@contextpr.co.uk zara@contextpr.co.ukWTM Stand # TT1160 On site mobile: +44 (0)7973 380 998 Michael BrophyPegasus Solutions, Inc.+1 214 234-4400 michael.brophy@pegs.comWTM Stand # GV2280On site mobile: +1 214 435 1997(Cindy Foor)

How To Get An Exciting Career In International Travel Nursing

If the excitement of international travel appeals to you, then you might want to think of being an international travel nurse. Of course, finding a placement agency is going to be the first key to doing that, and in a detailed search, only agencies placing nurses from overseas into the United States came into play. However, if the program works the same way, the placement agency or employer will make all arrangements for your travel and the obtaining of your visa and green card to allow you perform your assignment internationally. You will also need a work permit, which will be obtained for you as well.International travel nursing can provide a worldwide wealth of knowledge, especially if you are interested in working in some of the poorer countries instead of those with a wealth of riches to offer. The challenges of working in a country that speaks a different language, has a different culture, and has different medical needs can be crucial to the expansion of your nursing knowledge. The development of worldwide knowledge that you are able to take home with you can make the experience one that will allow you to greater utilize the skills that you have learned.Becoming an international travel nurse can also provide you with a scope of knowledge in the travel field, allowing you to travel while at the same time, performing the job that you love. Perhaps you have something to offer the country where you are placed, and can bring back some of their knowledge as well. The combination of the two knowledge bases can ultimately be beneficial to patients on both sides of the global community. The sharing of knowledge in the medical field is the key to the entire world knowing how to treat the diseases that plague our people, and the utilization of international travel nurses, both into other countries, and from other countries into the United States, will make that happen. Each has knowledge to share, and a skill that is unique, so the working together of the two cultures can only improve what each country is already practicing.International travel nursing can be a rewarding experience for both the nurse and the people she is sent to serve both culturally and medically. The placement agency knows how important this is and will strive to make certain that each nurse is placed where the needs can best be met within the scope of her desires. If nursing in another country appeals to you, be sure to contact one of the companies that places nurses internationally and be on your way to an unforgettable cultural experience while expanding the scope of your medical knowledge.Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.

International flights - International travel under your pocket

An international travel is a dream that many people has thought of. But this dream cannot be full-filled by everyone. International vacation has now become possible for the traveler willing to spend couple of days to some international destination. International flights are now available at cheap and affordable rates. Travel companies all over the UK have offers of very cheap international flights for those who plan to travel around the world. The increasing popularity of the tourist attractions spread across the world has led to a strong competition among the travel companies which are providing cheap airfares. There are many websites on internet which are providing cheap airfares and low cost international flights. Searching for these websites will help you to compare prices that airlines are offering. You will come to know about the best deals for various destinations. It is advised to book your cheap international flight online, as it will save your time and money both. The airline market is getting very competitive so the airfares offered vary from company to company and airline to airline. If you are a passionate traveler or an individual who want to visit an international destination, you must be searching for such an online travel site that offers cheap international flights tickets. Search for such websites providing cheap flights for your international travel. You can call to airlines authorities or your local travel agency for cheap and discounted airfares. Now days the companies are facilitating the live chat, you can take advantage of this. You can book your flights using credit cards, as most of the companies facilitate good discounts on booking flights with credit cards. Traveling during off-peak season always saves lot of money, as you will get cheap flights and accommodation very easily. During off-season you will get good discounts on business class and first class flights also. You will get a good bargain on last minute deals and long haul flights also. People have misconceptions about low cost flights and airlines. They think that low cost airlines are some cheap airlines with low class services. But its not like that, low cost airlines are the low airfares provided by the all the major airlines.

Jack Smith is provide cheap and affordable flights, and plan your travel, analyze, compare prices and book cheap flights, cheap hotels, cheap holiday packages, cheap international flights and discount flights world wide.Airtravel Guru is the best source for all your travel needs.

Cheap International Travel Insurance

Preparing for one's travel outside the country can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Looking for the right travel agency to book the proper flight is a separate adventure by itself. However, if you are working on a tight budget, there might be some amenities you might need to cut back on. For instance, for your seating accommodations, you might opt to move from the first class or business class to simply the economy class. For your luggage or baggage, you might prefer to bring only a couple of pieces in order to save on your costs. Whatever your situation might be, a necessity that you cannot do without is having international travel insurance.There are always options open to you, similar to the first class vs. economy class and one-piece of luggage vs. a dozen pieces, situations. For international travel insurance, you can choose to buy the policies that have reasonable rates most suited to your financial capability. You do not need to sacrifice the absence of an insurance policy simply because there is nothing, which you know offhand, is available on the market that you can afford. You simply have to know where to look and find the best offer.The insurance sector is highly competitive, and it is no surprise that the rates offered by the insurance companies with respect to international travel are quite affordable and even considered cheap by your standards. Before buying, make a survey of the rates given by the various insurance companies. You can do this by calling each company and inquire about the information you need. You can also research using the Internet and look at their quotations. Compare the prices as well as the benefits each policy has to offer. Only after canvassing and comparing could you arrive at an informed decision about finding the international travel insurance that will work for you as well as your budget.International Travel Insurance provides detailed information on International Travel Insurance, International Travel Health Insurance, International Student Travel Insurance, Cheap International Travel Insurance and more. International Travel Insurance is affiliated with Cheap Travel Health Insurance.

Vacations Only Available Through a Travel Agency

Going on vacation is what many individuals spend their entire year dreaming about. For some a simple vacation means visiting family and friends, but for others a vacation means getting away to a destination that is exotic, fun and exciting. Maybe you desire an extreme adventurous holiday or maybe you in search of peace and serenity, whatever your holiday idea is, travel agencies have the tools and expertise to help you find a perfect destination. Why Use A Travel Agency?There are many people who feel that it is not necessary to make use of a travel agency. From flight arrangements to booking accommodations, there are several aspects of planning a vacation that many individuals feel are simple. A common question is: Why spend money having someone plan a vacation for when you can do it yourself? This may be true in some instances; however, there are many benefits to using a travel agency. Remember, making travel arrangements and vacation plans can be a very stressful experience. Having to phone dozens of places and speaking to many front desk operators can be frustrating. You might think that this does not sound so bad, but setting aside enough time to do the appropriate amount of research can be difficult with a full time job, not to mention a family as well. A scenario such as this can lead to plenty of stress, or worse, a slip up with the vacation plan itself. Hotels, airlines and tourist attractions may be overlooked. The best options are sometimes not advertised. A seasoned travel professional (i.e. a travel agency) most likely will be better suited to provide you will the best options available, whether they are advertised or not. Yes, working with a travel agency costs money, but the service provided can relieve you of many hassles and save you time too.Inside TipsThe biggest advantage of travel agents is that they work constantly with hotels, resorts and other individuals in the travel industry. This means that you can be sure the arrangements your travel agency chooses fit your budget and your lifestyle. In addition, because travel agencies deal with vacations on a daily basis, they will also be able to inform you about the hottest destinations. You will not only receive the advantage of knowing what places are great to visit, travel agencies might also be able to give you great packages that will save you money. What Services Do Travel Agencies OfferWhen it comes to travel agencies, many people think that they offer a money wasting service. This is false; you get what you pay for and it relieves you of travel anxiety. The rule that everything will and must go wrong is no longer your concern Travel agents will advise you on the best locations there are and try to arrange a discounted package for you, which, if you were picking your own location, you would not be able to get.They also take care of all flight and traveling arrangements. They will book your flights both locally and internationally and confirm it just before you leave for vacation. For instance, if you need a car rental service, your travel agency will make all of the necessary arrangements. They will also finalize all accommodations at the hotel or resort of your choice and arrange for any special requirements you or your family has. Travel agencies will also create an itinerary for you. They will give you a list of places to visit and go sightseeing, and can make the all of the reservations as well. Travel agencies also offer great customer care and will check with you to see everything is going as planned. They want to ensure that your vacation goes smoothly and that you do not run into any complications. If you do find that you are having trouble on your holiday, the need to sort the problem out yourself is not necessary. Simply call your travel agent to deal with any hassles such as problems with your room, amenities, etc and they will correspond with the resort staff to ensure your stay is pleasant. An Added Advantage of Travel AgenciesBesides the fact that travel agencies know where all the hotspots are, they sometimes have the advantage of knowing about a certain place or resort before anyone else does. Usually travel agencies will be notified first about new places opening, which is an advantage to you. Because they are notified first about these destinations, you get a chance to visit a location that no one has been to before. Another advantage is that sometimes these new resorts require reviews and will allow travel agencies to refer customers to them in order to try the place. This is usually offered at a lower rate and so you save money for an equally fantastic vacation.



Jeremy Foster is a blogger and freelance writer who focuses on the travel industry and vacation tips, often discussing a particular aspect of the travel industry such as working with travel agents.

International Travel Medical Insurance

International travel medical insurance is used by short-term travelers, mostly on holidays and pleasure cruises. Apart from covering medical expenses for a short travel time, it also covers emergency medical evacuations and trip cancellation refunds.When you arrange with a travel agency for a tour with a fixed schedule, all the necessary reservations are confirmed. So the agency always demands a non-refundable deposit. It is done weeks in advance, and sometimes a person may not be in a position to undertake the tour or cruise due to a variety of reasons, including health reasons. Along with medical expenses, this aspect is also covered in travel insurance, and a reimbursement from the insurance company can be claimed in case of a cancellation.Sometimes a travel company files for bankruptcy after collecting a good amount as deposits. The traveler is left with useless papers. This is also covered under international travel insurance. But most policies will not cover trip cancellation if the reason for cancellation is not genuine enough. Simply altering the plans on a whim is not acceptable.While traveling, a medical emergency does not wait for the right time to take place. A mountain resort, a cruise ship or the middle of an African safari is where most accidents happen. To get the victim of an accident or sudden illness to medical facilities, costs are very high. This evacuation benefit is the second-most important coverage of travel medical insurance. Of course, the traveler needs to be fully protected against any illness or accident during the trip. It costs about five to seven percent of the travel cost to buy travel insurance and, considering the peace of mind that it gives, it is a good value.Be vigilant, read all the small print carefully, and if you are not satisfied that you know all that is to know about this product that you are buying, do not sign on the bottom line. If a salesperson evades your questions, it is time to look for another one.International Medical Insurance provides detailed information on International Medical Insurance, International Travel Medical Insurance, International Student Medical Insurance, Cheap International Medical Insurance and more. International Medical Insurance is affiliated with International Health Insurance Plans.